§ 20. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give an estimate of the acreage of land scheduled for buildings, factories, playing fields and other non-agricultural production in Scotland during the next three years and the estimated percentage loss to agricultural production.
Commander GalbraithI regret that the information available does not enable me to make an estimate of this kind.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayIs my right hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that every effort is made to use derelict ground within the circumference of built-up areas rather than take good agricultural ground.
§ 21. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give figures to show the acreage of land scheduled for afforestation during the next three years and the effect which he estimates this will have upon the stock of sheep, specifying the counties concerned.
§ Mr. SnaddenPlanting in Scotland to be undertaken by the Forestry Commission during the next three years is expected to total about 100,000 acres, and it is estimated that the number of sheep displaced will not exceed 8,500. There 894 will be planting in practically all counties, but it is not possible to say with any precision what effect if any there will be on sheep stocks in any particular county.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayIs my hon. Friend satisfied that, apart from the effect on the sheep stock, this will not have a serious effect on the cost of wintering sheep in many areas?
§ Mr. SnaddenWe take account of all considerations in regard to afforestation and agriculture, and I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend need be alarmed at what has been done here.